The Sallisaw IPRA Rodeo was established in 1943 by a group of community leaders known as the Roundup Club. The Sallisaw Lion’s Club took it over in the 1970’s and has been hosting it ever since.
The Sallisaw IPRA Rodeo is held at the Sallisaw Lion’s Club Arena and is hosted by Hampton Rodeo Company. The rodeo is sanctioned by the American Cowboys Rodeo Association (ACRA) and the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA).
The Rodeo is preceded by the Sallisaw Rodeo Parade which travels through downtown and ends at the Sallisaw Rodeo Grounds. The parade features local riders and contestants. On Friday and Saturday nights the rodeo is followed by a concert and dance. The Rodeo events include: bronc and bull riding, roping and team roping, steer wrestling, a wild horse race and mutton bustin’. The rodeo draws over 5,000 people a year and showcases the elite athletes in rodeo competition.